‘No further action’ being taken against Coastal Carolina University cheerleading team

Documents released Friday by CCU’s Media Relations Office confirm that an anonymous letter alleged that CCU cheerleaders were involved in a number of crimes including, underage drinking, drugs, distribution of alcohol to minors, and prostitution. The letter also claimed some of the cheerleaders were paying to have their homework completed.

CCU’s investigation revealed the identity of the person who sent the anonymous letter to the school. While the reports from CCU do not name the sender of the letter, a document signed Wednesday by Investigator Michelyn Pylilo, says, “attempts were made to interview the sender of the letter to determine if he could provide additional information that could prove to be pertinent to this investigation, but he refused to be interviewed.”

The document concludes that the investigation into the CCU cheer squad is administratively closed “unless and until further information is obtained.”

A statement from CCU Vice President of University Communication and Marketing Bill Plate says the entire cheer team was suspended March 29 after “investigators received notice that a group text message from a team member had been sent to all members of the cheerleading team that referenced the investigation and warned about the possible repercussions of certain conduct violations.”

Plate clarifies that the suspension applied only to cheer activities, and it did not affect any student’s academic standing with the university or related privileges, such as athletic training, financial aid or academic support.

Plate’s memo notes that “the conduct investigation of the team has concluded. No further action is being taken by the University regarding the 2016-2017 CCU cheerleading team.”

CCU President David DeCenzo says the university was obligated to conduct the investigation.